WORKERS on the giant Swaythling Ford site are being offered help and support as the company prepares to shed 500 staff.

The support programme was launched today by secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills and Labour MP for Southampton Itchen John Denham and plant manager Martin Chapman.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

Workers from the motor giant and contractors and suppliers such as Penske Logistics, Hamptons and Magna Seating will be able to call a special hotline at the plant to get details of training courses, ask for advise about benefits or find out more about retirement.

Stalls from the local authorities of Southampton and Eastleigh were set up along with those from South East England Development Agency (Seeda), Job Centre Plus, Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Business Link.